Brazilian midfielder Anderson says he is happy to spend the chilly festive period playing football - and not relaxing on Copacabana beach - as he pursues his dream of making history with Manchester United. Until last year the 19-year-old former Gremio and FC Porto player would spend the Christmas period relaxing on one of Brazil's most famous beaches.
But since his 17 million pound to Old Trafford from Porto last year the twice-capped Brazilian international has had to quickly accept the reality of English football moving up a gear during the festive period. United begin their post-Christmas campaign Wednesday in the chilly north east at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, where they will hope to secure the points and leapfrog, provisionally at least, Premier League leaders Arsenal.
And while the idea takes a bit of getting used to, the samba star is happy to make the necessary sacrifices. "I think I know what to expect because my team-mates have kept telling me how tough it is to play so many games at one time," he said. "It is a completely new experience for me. I would usually be on the beach by now. But for once, I will have to leave my turkey on the plate and get ready to play football instead."